It is the privilege of tale-tellers to open their story in an inn, the free rendezvous of all travellers, and where the humour of each displays itself, without ceremony or restraint.

When thinking about companions gone, we feel ourselves doubly alone.

When true friends meet in adverse hour; 'Tis like a sunbeam through a shower. A watery way an instant seen, The darkly closing clouds between.

Many a law, many a commandment have I broken, but my word never.

A rusted nail, placed near the faithful compass, Will sway it from the truth, and wreck the argosy.

Spangling the wave with lights as vain As pleasures in the vale of pain, That dazzle as they fade.

Teach you children poetry; it opens the mind, lends grace to wisdom and makes the heroic virtues hereditary.